The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, may investigate former Senate President David Mark, Toyin, wife of sitting Senate president Bukola Saraki, his younger brother Laolu Saraki, former Delta State Governor James Ibori, Obi Asika and Olufela Ibidapo. The aforementioned, including former defence minister Gen. Yakubu Danjuma were named to have offshore companies in a data leak revealed by Panama Papers. The report on the likely investigation quoted an EFCC source as saying the documents are being examined.
“These allegations may lead to further clues on whether or not public funds were used in acquiring some of these secret assets”, said the source. The affected Nigerians were alleged to have acquired properties and owned offshore companies in tax haven to conceal their wealth suspected to have been stolen state funds. Registering offshore entities in tax havens could mean to launder money, evade tax and dodge sanctions. The Panama Papers leak has claimed its first victim in Iceland, where its ex-prime minister resigned because he was mentioned in the leaked documents.
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